https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-police-say-death-of-transient-man-found-in-loyalhanna-was-result-of-a-homicide/
State police say death of transient man found in Loyalhanna was result of a homicide
State police said Thursday the death of a man whose body was found on state game lands was the result of a homicide.
Trooper Steve Limani declined to release details about how Robert Friend, 64, was killed. His body was found Oct. 18 by a hunter on game lands in Loyalhanna Township about 25 feet from a parking area off Bush Road.
“Somebody killed him,” Limani said.
Authorities are continuing their quest for information to narrow down a timeline of Friend’s movements the day before his body was found. Limani said they’re focusing on Greensburg, specifically establishments, such as bars, that allow smoking.
Information they received indicated Friend frequented such establishments in Greensburg. Troopers are asking local businesses he may have visited late last week to review any available video footage.
“We still don’t have any video surveillance that puts him walking around Greensburg,” Limani said. “He also wasn’t afraid to stop somebody and ask them for a ride.”
Police believe Friend died late Friday or early Saturday.
Friend was described by investigators as transient and he typically found places to stay across the Greensburg area. Troopers are seeking help from the public to piece together the events that led up to his killing. It’s unclear if his death happened in the game lands or if his body was dumped there.
A $2,000 reward is being offered.
Police did not know where Friend was living. He has a criminal history dating to 1990, according to online court records. In recent cases, his address was listed as Emlenton and Youngwood.
The game lands where Friend’s body was found surround Loyalhanna Lake, north of New Alexandria, near Mannitto Golf Course and spread south toward Route 22, spanning several municipalities, including Salem and Derry townships. The Pennsylvania Game Commission leases some of the land from the Army Corps of Engineers.
Anyone with information is asked to call state police Kiski at 724-697-5780 or PSP Tips at 1-800-472-8477. Tips can be left online here.
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